nd will tread the reptiles into
dust."

His deep voice rang out the words, as if he were a herald proclaiming a
victorious deed of arms. Not a word was spoken, not a hand moved, when
he ceased speaking. Then he raised his cup, and said:

"It is well before the battle to uplift our hearts! We have done great
deeds; distant nations have felt our hand; we have planted our pillars
of conquest by their rivers, and graven the record of our deeds on their
rocks.

[Herodotus speaks of the pictures graven on the rocks in the
provinces conquered by Rameses II., in memory of his achievements.
He saw two, one of which remains on a rock near Beyrut.]

Your king is great above all kings, and it is through the might of the
Gods, and your valor my brave comrades. May to-morrow's fight bring us
new glory! May the Immortals soon bring this war to a close! Empty your
wine cups with me--To victory and a speedy return home in peace!"

"Victory! Victory! Long life to the Pharaoh! Strength and health!" cried
the guests of the king, who, as he descended from his throne, cried to
the drinkers:

"Now, rest till the star of Isis sets. Then follow me to prayer at the
altar of Amon, and then-to battle."

Fresh cries of triumph sounded through the room, while Rameses gave his
hand with a few words of encouragement to each of his sons in turn.
He desired the two youngest, Mernephtah and Rameri to follow him, and
quitting the banquet with them and Mena, he proceeded, under the escort
of his officers and guards, who bore staves before him with golden
lilies and ostrich-feathers, to his sleeping-tent, which was surrounded
by a corps d'elite under the command of his sons. Before entering the
tent he asked for some pieces of meat, and gave them with his own hand
to his lions, who let him stroke them like tame cats.

Then he glanced round the stable, patted the sleek necks and shoulders
of his favorite horses, and decided that 'Nura' and 'Victory to Thebes'
should bear him into the battle on the morrow.

[The horses driven by Rameses at the battle of Kadesh were in fact
thus named.]

When he had gone into the sleeping-tent, he desired his attendants to
leave him; he signed Mena to divest him of his ornaments and his arms,
and called to him his youngest sons, who were waiting respectfully at
the door of the tent.

"Why did I desire you to accompany me?" he asked them gravely. Both were
silent, and he repeated his question.

"B